1974 AMC Matador vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 AMC Matador would be higher. At 5,896 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 AMC Matador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2009 Kia Sportage. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 507 kg more than 2009 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 AMC Matador is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 AMC Matador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1974 AMC Matador (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Sportage. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | AMC | Kia |
| Model | Matador | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 58 L |
